Department for Transport

Traffic Commissioners

lord berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are conducting a review into the role of the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain; if so, (1) whether they will place copy of any such review's terms of referencein the Library of the House,(2) what consultation is taking place as part of that review and with whom, and (3) when they expect to publish the conclusions of any such review.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is conducting an internal review of the Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) to consider ways of working and potential for efficiencies. It has consulted trade associations as part of this process. This is an internal review and therefore DVSA will not be publishing its terms of reference or any conclusions. DVSA expects to complete the review in early autumn 2019.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether Highways England holdsa schedule of rates for (1) damage to Crown Property, and (2) unplanned and emergency works; and if so, whether they will publish those schedules.

baroness vere of norbiton: On 24 June 2019, Highways England published a National Schedule of Repair Costs for damage to the network (Crown Property). This includes the rates for planned and reactive (unplanned) works. The schedule can be found on Highways England’s website.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

China: Ethnic Groups

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Muslim children are being separated from their families, faith and language in schools in Xinjiang; and what representations they intend to make about such separations to the government of China.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We have serious concerns about the detention of more than a million Uyghurs, along with widespread surveillance and restrictions targeted at minorities. British diplomats in China visit Xinjiang every few months, in order to see at first-hand the situation there. They most recently visited in May 2019, and their observations have supported much of the recent open source reporting about the restrictions targeted at specific ethnic groups.Ministers and senior officials frequently raise the human rights issues in the region with their Chinese counterparts, most recently in a public statement on 3 July at the 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Foreign Secretary also highlighted our concerns with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his most recent visit to China, in July 2018. Later that month, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific did the same with his Chinese counterpart Vice Minister Guo Yezhou. Additionally, our Embassy in Beijing regularly raises the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang with the Chinese authorities.Reports about forced separation of children add to the growing body of disturbing evidence highlighting the situation Uyghurs face in Xinjiang. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns with the Chinese government at all levels bilaterally and in appropriate UN fora, including the Human Rights Council.

China: Ethnic Groups

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that in one township in Xinjiang more than 400 children have lost both of their parents to some form of internment in camps or prisons; and what assessment they have made of whether thoseinternments arepart of a campaign to systematically remove children from their roots and their family’s beliefs.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We have serious concerns about the detention of more than a million Uyghurs, along with widespread surveillance and restrictions targeted at minorities. British diplomats in China visit Xinjiang every few months, in order to see at first-hand the situation there. They most recently visited in May 2019, and their observations have supported much of the recent open source reporting about the restrictions targeted at specific ethnic groups.Ministers and senior officials frequently raise the human rights issues in the region with their Chinese counterparts, most recently in a public statement on 3 July at the 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Foreign Secretary also highlighted our concerns with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his most recent visit to China, in July 2018. Later that month, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific did the same with his Chinese counterpart Vice Minister Guo Yezhou. Additionally, our Embassy in Beijing regularly raises the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang with the Chinese authorities.Reports about forced separation of children add to the growing body of disturbing evidence highlighting the situation Uyghurs face in Xinjiang. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns with the Chinese government at all levels bilaterally and in appropriate UN fora, including the Human Rights Council.

Eritrea: Health Centres

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 July(HL16637), whether they can now provide an assessment of the impact of the governmentof Eritrea's enforced closure ofChurch-run health centres; whether staff in Eritrea have been able to visit and gather evidence of the impact of such closures on the local community;what assessment they have made of the reported deaths resulting from the closure of those facilities; and when they intend to raise this matter with (1) the government of Eritrea, and (2) theEritrean Ambassador to the UK.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We understand that the majority of the Catholic Church managed health centres recently closed by the Eritrean Government have reopened under Ministry of Health management. Due to restrictions on travel, and with no independent media in Eritrea, it is difficult for UK Embassy staff to verify these reports themselves or the consequences of the original closures. The Eritrean Government has stated that the closures are part of a long-term plan to bring all healthcare provisions under the Government. We have raised with the Eritrean Ambassador in London and our Ambassador in Asmara has requested a meeting with the Eritrean Foreign Minister.

Yemen: Human Rights

lord bates: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conclusions and recommendations of the report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human RightsSituation of human rights in Yemen, including violations and abuses since September 2014,published on 17 August 2018.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are deeply concerned by the human rights violations and abuses reported by the UN in August 2018. It is vital that all parties to the conflict make every effort to promote and protect human rights. Yemen remains a human rights priority country for the UK. In the 2018 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Human Rights and Democracy Report, we highlighted our concerns over women’s rights including girls’ education, the recruitment of child soldiers, arbitrary detention, and attacks on freedom of religion or belief and on freedom of speech and association. We have raised the FCO's report directly with the Human Rights Minister for the Government of Yemen, voicing our concerns. We will continue to work with all parties and international partners, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to find a political solution to the conflict, in order to create the conditions to improve and protect human rights in Yemen.​

Turkey: Iraq

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofreports that Turkey is planning to establish a permanent military base in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq; and whether the government of Iraq is in agreement with any such plan.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We are aware of media reports stating that Turkey is planning to establish a permanent military base in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq. We cannot verify the accuracy of these reports, nor the consent of the Government of Iraq on this matter. We continue to urge dialogue between Iraq and Turkey, in order to ensure sustained co-operation in combatting terrorism in the region.

USA: Detention Centres

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatdiscussions they intend to have with the government of the United States about the case for independent inspections of detention centres for refugees and migrants held near the frontier with Mexico.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We share concerns over recent reports on the conditions faced in US detention facilities. The President signed a Bill on 1 July providing emergency funding, including humanitarian support, in part to help address those conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation, but immigration policy in the US, including the conduct and manner of independent inspections, is a matter for the US Government.

Philippines: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the government of the Philippines has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); and what plans they have to discuss with thatgovernment how the provisions of the UNCRC could be applied to children in detention in the Philippines.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The Philippines ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990.Officials at our Embassy in Manila regularly raise the issue of Children in Conflict with the Law and the detention of children as part of the Embassy's engagement with the relevant local authorities and the Philippines security sector.

China: Ethnic Groups

the lord bishop of st albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to thegovernment of Chinaaboutreports of (1) forcible separations, and (2) re-education, of Uighur children in the eastern province of Xinjiang.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We have serious concerns about the detention of more than a million Uyghurs, along with widespread surveillance and restrictions targeted at minorities. British diplomats in China visit Xinjiang every few months, in order to see at first-hand the situation there. They most recently visited in May 2019, and their observations have supported much of the recent open source reporting about the restrictions targeted at specific ethnic groups.Ministers and senior officials frequently raise the human rights issues in the region with their Chinese counterparts, most recently in a public statement on 3 July at the 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council. The Foreign Secretary also highlighted our concerns with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his most recent visit to China, in July 2018. Later that month, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific did the same with his Chinese counterpart Vice Minister Guo Yezhou. Additionally, our Embassy in Beijing regularly raises the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang with the Chinese authorities.Reports about forced separation of children add to the growing body of disturbing evidence highlighting the situation Uyghurs face in Xinjiang. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns with the Chinese government at all levels bilaterally and in appropriate UN fora, including the Human Rights Council.​

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 8 July (HL16673),whether they have assessedtraining provided to the Saudi Arabian militaryfinanced by the Integrated Activity Fundsince the Court of Appeal ruling that the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia was unlawful.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: All IAF-funded project work undergoes assessment and review. We are not able to disclose information related to particular IAF projects in greater detail as we have a duty to maintain the confidence and confidentiality of our partners.

Intelligence Services: Languages

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people whose first language is not English are employed by each of the intelligence agencies; what languages they speak; and what assessment they have made of the adequacy of language proficiency in the intelligence services.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The Government has a longstanding policy of not commenting on intelligence matters.

Sudan: Politics and Government

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports thatmembers of the Transitional Military Council were guaranteed immunity from prosecution for the actions of the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces on 3 June in exchange for signing a power-sharing agreement with the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are aware of reports that issues of accountability and immunity for members of Sudan's armed forces and Rapid Support Forces are part of the current negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change. We are not currently aware of any guarantees of immunity in respect of the events of 3 June. We welcome the agreement between the Transitional Military Council and Forces of Freedom and Change to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the violence committed against peaceful protestors since 11 April.

Omar al-Bashir

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made in bringing Omar al Bashir to trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC); what assessment they have made of the proposal that any ICC trial could take place in Khartoum if removal to the Hague is not acceptable to the government of Sudan; what resources they haveofferedto enable such a trial to occur; and what support they intend to provide to assist with (1) the training of judges, (2) ensuring credible judicial processes, (3) transitional justice mechanisms, (4) institutional reform, and (5) restitution for victims of violence in Sudan.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The arrest warrant against Omar al Bashir still stands and we urge the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with it. The UK strongly supports the mission of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its independence. The location of any ICC trial is a matter for the Court to decide.For a number of years, the UK has supported the strengthening of the Sudanese Parliament towards becoming an institution capable of providing effective scrutiny. Our Embassy in Khartoum has also supported civil society groups advocating on behalf of victims at international fora such as the Human Rights Council. As the transition deal is agreed, respect for human rights, accountability for past abuses and a process of rehabilitation for victims will be essential for its success.We are assessing opportunities of further engagement and support to develop justice and reconciliation mechanisms offered by the current political environment.

Sudan: Human Rights

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with the governmentof Sudan about that country becoming a signatory to the Convention on Torture; and whether they will table a motion at the United Nations Human Rights Council to seek a hearing on any violations of human rights, war crimes and genocide committedby the government headed by Omar al Bashir in Sudan.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The UK is very concerned by the human rights situation in Sudan, which is identified as a priority country in the UK's Annual Human Rights Report. Our Embassy in Khartoum monitors the human rights situation in Sudan closely, and frequently raises our concerns in meetings with the authorities. It also administers programmes and workshops to support greater progress on Sudan's human rights obligations. In March 2018, our Embassy in Khartoum funded a workshop for senior representatives of the Sudanese Government, which focused on the steps needed for Sudan's ratification of the UN Convention against torture, which it signed in 1986. We will continue to provide support on this issue and to ensure Sudan meets its human rights obligations.There must be accountability for the crimes committed by members of the former regime. We will continue to work with Troika (UK, US and Norway), EU, UN and regional allies to explore how best we can support accountability, including at the UN Human Rights Council in September.

Sudan: Internet

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Sudanabout (1) restoring access to the internet to its citizens, and (2) allowing the dissemination of information as required under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British Government welcomes the restoration of access to the internet on 9 July. We were deeply concerned by the disruptions to the internet that began on 3 June. British officials in Khartoum, including the UK Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, raised our concerns through direct and public messaging to the military leadership on 5 and 23 June. The Minister of State for Africa raised it when she summoned the Sudanese Ambassador on 6 June. The UK's statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 9 July called for the rights of the Sudanese people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly to be respected. The Sudanese authorities must uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all people in Sudan.

Whitehall History Publishing

lord rodgers of quarry bank: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the last two publications in the seriesWhitehall Histories: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Publications previously edited by Gill Bennett and Keith Hamilton were last published; whether that series has continued; and if so, what are the next publications.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​I am pleased to report that the series Documents on British Policy Overseas (DBPO), now edited by Patrick Salmon and Richard Smith, is flourishing. DBPO is the documentary history of post-1945 British foreign policy published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the series Whitehall Histories. The last two publications were: Series III, Volume X: The Polish Crisis and Relations with Eastern Europe, 1979-1982 (2017) and Series III, Volume XI: The Unwinding of Apartheid: UK-South Africa Relations, 1986-1990 (2019). The next publication, Series III, Volume XII: Britain and the Revolutions in Eastern Europe, 1989 is due out in autumn 2019.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations theyhave made to the government of Israelabout reports thata mother of a wanted Palestinian childwas abducted and imprisonedin order topressure that child to turn themselves in for interrogation.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we have not made any representations on this specific issue, we continue to have strong concerns about continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors and to seek improvements to Israeli practices. We continue to urge Israel to provide the necessary protections for Palestinian children living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to fulfil their obligations under international law.

Israel: Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government, furtherto the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 July (HL16619), whether they expect the government of Israel to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; if so, when; and what steps they are taking, with international partners, to encourage that government to join that treaty.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The Government continues to support the universalisation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), as recently set out in the UK's draft National Report to NPT's 2019 Third Preparatory Committee. While we are not aware of any current plans by Israel to accede to the NPT, the Government will continue to urge Israel, and all States that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Israeliauthorities arewithholding the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli forcesuntil certain conditions have been met, including the payment of 25,000 shekels.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We have not made an assessment of this issue. We urge all sides to treat casualties and the dead with respect and urge Israel to return any bodies they are holding.

Jerusalem: Excavation

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofanydamage to Palestinian homes and the al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalemcaused by tunnels created by archaeological excavations beneath them.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: While we have not made an assessment of this issue, we regularly make clear our serious concerns about the situation in East Jerusalem to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in co-operation with EU partners. We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in the East Jerusalem.

Israel: Palestinians

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representationsthey have made to the government of Israel followingreports that Israel’s High Court of Justice refused to hear an Israeli human rights organisation's petition that Palestinian minors held in Israeli prisons should be allowed to call their parents.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​While we have not raised the specific issue, we continue to have strong concerns about continued reports of ill-treatment of Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention. We continue to make representations to the Israeli authorities on this issue and we remain committed to working with Israel to secure improvements to the practices surrounding Palestinian children in detention in Israel. I discussed this issue in Parliament on 8 July, and officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv last raised our concerns with the Israeli Ministry of Justice on 6 June.

Israeli Settlements

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about reports that it allowed a settler organisation to acquire the homeof aPalestinian family in Silwan, East Jerusalem, following their eviction.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​While we have not made any representations on this specific issue, we continue to be gravely concerned by the impact of demolitions and evictions on ordinary Palestinians and the impact this has on the viability of a future Palestinian state. Demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians; call into question Israel's commitment to a viable two-state solution; and, in all but the most exceptional of cases, are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. On 26 April the EU issued a statement, on behalf of the UK and other EU Member States, requesting that Israel reconsider the pending demolition orders in Silwan. We fund a number of projects to monitor and report on settlement expansion in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and to protect vulnerable Palestinian communities from the effects of settlement expansion.

Libya: Politics and Government

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current situation in Libya, following the removal of pro-Haftar militias from Gharyan by the government of National Accord; and what steps they are taking, together with international partners, to support a process of dialogue and negotiation in Libya.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The UK is deeply concerned by the continuing fighting, and actively engaged in international diplomatic efforts to bring it to an end. On 5 July we secured agreement to a UN Security Council statement stressing the need for all parties to urgently de-escalate and commit to a ceasefire. We are working closely with Security Council members, regional governments and UN Envoy Ghassan Salamé to convince the parties on the ground to return to a UN-led political process, the objective of which is to facilitate agreement on a more inclusive political settlement, which is the best way of stabilising the country.

Israel: Palestinians

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which the United States-led Peace toProsperity workshop, held in Bahrain on 25 to 26 June, has advanced efforts to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We welcome US efforts to support the development of the Palestinian economy. It is important that economic discussions complement a political process, which is ultimately required to unlock lasting and sustainable economic growth for Palestinians and overdue peace in the region. A peace deal and the lifting of access and movement restrictions would generate the ultimate economic dividend not only for the Occupied Palestinian Territories but also for Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the wider region. The UK's longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process remains that we support a negotiated settlement leading to a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states.

Iran: Nuclear Fuels

the marquess of lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatsteps they intend to take in responseto the government of Iran’s announcement on 8 July that it had exceeded the stockpile limit of its low-enriched uranium permitted by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 2015 (JCPOA), and that government's statedintention to continue to raise the level at which it enriches uranium above the threshold allowed by the JCPOA.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The International Atomic Energy Agency has now verified that Iran has exceeded its JCPoA low enriched uranium (LEU) stockpile and enrichment limits. We have called on Iran to immediately reverse these actions and not to take further steps. With other parties to the deal we are urgently considering next steps under the JCPoA, including convening a Joint Commission.

Jerusalem

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with the government of Israel about (1) the demolition of Palestinian properties in East Jerusalem, (2) tunnelling in East Jerusalem, and (3) the activities of the Ateret Cohanim and Elad organisations.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Our Embassy in Tel Aviv discussed our concerns about the increase in demolitions in East Jerusalem with the Israeli Authorities on 25 June. The nature of these demolitions which took place within an area of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority is particularly concerning and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We regularly make clear our serious concerns about the situation in East Jerusalem to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in co-operation with EU partners. We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in the East Jerusalem. The UK continues to regard Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace, and we regularly raise our concerns about settlement activity with the Israeli authorities.

Attorney General

Criminal Proceedings: Evidence

lord carlile of berriew: To ask Her Majesty's Government what changes,if any, they plan to make to disclosure procedures operated by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that (1) trials are not disrupted by late or inadequate disclosure, and (2) incursions into the privacy of complainants and witnesses are material and proportionate.

lord keen of elie: There has been unprecedented joint commitment and focus from the police and the CPS to finding solutions to the problem of getting disclosure right. Proper disclosure of unused material is vital if there is to be a fair trial. That is why in 2018 the Attorney General published his review, looking at the efficiency and effectiveness of the current disclosure system, including how sensitive data is handled. We are now working hard to implement the recommendations made in the review, and extensive action has already been undertaken to bring about necessary changes. The government remains committed to ensuring that errors in the disclosure process are driven down to their absolute minimum.

Department for Education

Schools: Census

the earl of clancarty: To ask Her Majesty's Government how nationality and country-of-birth data have been used by (1) the Department for Education, and (2) any other third party, since their collection from schoolchildren between October 2016 and June 2018.

lord agnew of oulton: The department collected data on the nationality and country of birth of pupils via the school census for 2 years between autumn 2016 and summer 2018. The data was collected for the purposes of internal educational research, to help the department ensure that all children, wherever they are from, have the best possible education. The department has so far published 2 (annual) high-level summaries of the pupil nationality, country of birth and proficiency in English data, which have been attached:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-nationality-country-of-birth-and-proficiency-in-english.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-nationality-country-of-birth-and-proficiency-in-english-2018. This data has not been shared externally with third parties, including other government departments.



HL17038_PDF
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HL17038_PDF
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Ofsted: Training

lord black of brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made, withOfsted, in the implementation and training of Her Majesty's Inspectors who are subject specialists.

lord agnew of oulton: This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman. I have asked her to write to my noble friend and a copy of her reply will be place in the Libraries of both Houses.

Languages: Education

baroness coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the 2019 Language Trends Survey, published by the British Council in July, in particular its findings that (1) disadvantaged pupils are less likely to take a language GCSE, and (2) only a quarter of state schools offer pupil exchanges abroad, compared toalmost half of independent schools.

lord agnew of oulton: The department notes the British Council Language Trends 2019 Survey and wants to see more pupils take languages at GCSE and experience international opportunities, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We have included languages as a pillar within the English Baccalaureate school performance measure to address the sharp fall in take up following the decision to make the subject non-compulsory at key stage 4 in 2004. This has seen the proportion of pupils who take languages GCSE increase from 40% in 2010 to 46% last year, and we want to see these numbers increase. In the department’s £4.8 million Modern Foreign Language (MFL) Pedagogy pilot programme, one of the 9 lead schools is in an Opportunity Area and another is in the Opportunity North East area. We have launched a pilot project in MFL undergraduate mentoring for secondary school pupils. This project specifically targets areas of high disadvantage to extend access to languages for all pupils and focuses on areas of low uptake. We are also piloting a financial incentive to improve the retention of MFL teachers in 25 local authorities that are most in need. In partnership with the British Council, the department is offering thousands of young people the chance to take part in international exchanges and visits. Backed by £2.5 million, schools in England can apply for grants to take pupils aged 11 and above to visit partner schools around the world. The programme is principally focused on those from disadvantaged backgrounds and we want to encourage as many schools as possible to sign up for this opportunity.

Financial Services: Education

lord evans of watford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to support (1) the introduction of financial education, and (2) the understanding of consumer products, in secondary schools.

lord agnew of oulton: Education on financial matters helps to ensure that young people are prepared to manage their money well, make sound financial decisions and know where to seek further information when needed. In 2014, financial literacy was made statutory within the national curriculum as part of the citizenship curriculum for 11-16 year olds. Pupils are taught the functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management and the need to understand financial risk. We have also introduced a rigorous new mathematics curriculum, which provides young people with the knowledge and mathematical skills to make important financial decisions.An understanding of consumer products and how they are advertised can be important in personal finances. In the statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance, to be implemented in all schools within England from September 2020, it states that pupils should be taught about how advertising is targeted at them, and how they should be discerning consumers of information online. The department has published further guidance on teaching online safety, to support schools in their delivery of online safety content within their curriculum and wider whole school approaches. This guidance is attached and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teaching-online-safety-in-schools. 



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Ministry of Justice

Alternatives to Prosecution

baroness gould of potternewton: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they introduced community resolution orders as informal punishments for low-level offences in 2014; who was responsible for their introduction; and whether their use was approved by the Home Secretary.

baroness gould of potternewton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to police forces in England and Wales on the criteria for determining whether a person should be subject to a community resolution order rather than an alternative punishment; and who determines whether or not to use a community resolution order.

baroness gould of potternewton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that community resolution orders are being used for more serious offences than originally intended; and what plans they have to prevent such orders being used for anything other than low-level crimes.

lord keen of elie: Out of Court Disposals (OOCDs) allow police to deal quickly and proportionately with low-level offending without recourse to the courts. One type of OOCD is community resolution. This is a non-statutory disposal that can be administered by police forces when the offender accepts responsibility for the offence, and in most cases, where the victim has agreed that they do not want more formal action taken. ‘Community resolution’ is a nationally recognised term for a disposal which has been in use by police for some years, and prior to 2014. In 2014, following consultation, the Ministry of Justice identified support for community resolution as part of a simplified framework for OOCDs in which all disposals had conditions attached. The College of Policing hold guidance on the use of community resolutions:http://library.college.police.uk/docs/appref/Community-Resolutions-Incorporating-RJ-Final-Aug-2012-2.pdf (this was also summarised as part of a quick reference guide published by Ministry of Justice in 2013: https://www.yjlc.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/MoJ-Quick-reference-guides-out-of-court-disposals-2013.pdf). Individual decisions around the appropriateness of issuing an OOCD are an operational matter for police. Typically, a Constable, Police Community Support Officer or Police Staff Investigator can decide to issue a community resolution, in accordance with Authorised Professional Practice, gravity matrices and local force policies which inform decision making. Police and partners have a range of measures in place to ensure appropriate use of Out of Court Disposals. Supervisors are expected to check decision-making of their staff regularly. Out of Court Disposal scrutiny panels are also in place with external representation - these review in detail a selection of cases to determine whether the method of disposal is considered appropriate, based on a review of the information/evidence available to the decision maker at the time. Government works closely with the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) whose Charging and Out of Court Disposals strategy (2017-2021) sets out their position and support for forces around OOCDs. We publish data and pay attention to trends in the use of Out of Court Disposals on an ongoing basis.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Mefloquine

the countess of mar: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Blackwood of North Oxford on 10 July (HL16834), what steps the Ministry of Defence has taken to address the concerns of the European Medicines Agency Pharmacovigilance Assessment Committee 2014 report on the toxicity of mefloquine (Lariam); and if they have not taken any such steps, why not.

earl howe: Anti-malarial drugs are prescribed to Service personnel with the UK product information leaflet. For mefloquine, this reflects the recommendations of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency.All anti-malarial drugs have contraindications and a side effect profile which can be found in the British National Formulary or online at the Electronic Medicines Compendium. It is Ministry of Defence policy that healthcare professionals undertake a health risk assessment and to warn patients of the possible side effects of any anti-malarial drug.

Type 31 Frigates

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the action information system in the Type 31e frigates will be compatible with that in the Type 26 frigates in terms of operations room training and cross-operating of personnel.

earl howe: The Type 31e frigate programme is currently in its Competitive Design Phase. I am unable at this time to comment on the ship systems being offered by the bidders as to do so would be prejudicial to the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence.

Type 26 Frigates

lord west of spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether contingency work has occurred with BAE Systems to ascertain whether the T26 programme could be accelerated in a time of national emergency or for any other reason; and if not, why not.

earl howe: I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Moonie on 12 March 2019 in response to Question number HL14108.Any Ministry of Defence plan could be subject to revision in the event of a national emergency if the nature of that emergency required it.



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Department for Work and Pensions

Disadvantaged: Children and Young People

lord bird: To ask Her Majesty's Government, what assessment they have made of the reportby Barnardo’s Overcoming Poverty of Hope, published on 8 July; and what steps they intend to take to improve how they (1) listen to, and (2) act upon, the concerns of younger generations.

baroness buscombe: We welcome the Overcoming Poverty of Hope report which provides valuable insight into young people’s views and concerns about their own future. We are committed to providing support for young people so that everyone, no matter what their start is in life, is given the best chance of getting into work. The department has a variety of support for young people such as the Youth Obligation Support Programme which provides support tailored to the needs and ambitions of individual 18 to 21 year olds. We have been working with Barnardo’s to develop a pilot specifically for care leavers. The pilot offers enhanced work experience and a personal mentor to support the care leaver throughout the placement, building the skills and confidence needed to start a career.

Pension Credit

lord foulkes of cumnock: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much funding they provided to charities that work with older people to support the take-up of Pension Credit in (1) 2015–16, (2) 2016–17, and (3) 2017–18.

baroness buscombe: The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to. We work with a wide range of stakeholders, including charities to ensure that accurate information about benefits including Pension Credit is available in the places where people are most likely to go to seek information. The DWP knows that one of the best ways to reach eligible claimants is through trusted stakeholder organisations working in the community and that is why we have developed and resourced the Pension Credit toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in order to encourage Pension Credit take-up. The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up. The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits. Stakeholders and potential claimants alike can use the Pension Credit calculator at gov.uk to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. Most recently we have provided to relevant stakeholders a fact sheet about Pension Credit and the changes introduced on 15 May for mixed age couples to ensure they are able to communicate the most up-to-date information to potential claimants. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing Benefit.

Home Office

Emergency Services: Sirens

lord pearson of rannoch: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord West of Spithead on 15 November 2007 (HL80), what action they are taking to ensure that drivers of emergency service vehicles (1) are aware of, and (2) abide by, the restrictions on the use of sirens at night when other vehicles are not on the road set out in regulation 99 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

baroness williams of trafford: It is for the emergency services to consider how best to use sirens for maximum effectiveness and minimum disturbance. Subject to the regulations and any guidance from the respective services, drivers of emergency vehicles are expected to use their professional judgment to decide when and where the use of sirens is appropriate.Drivers ought to be fully aware that sirens must be used with restraint, particularly at night, so as not to cause a nuisance to residents or other road users. There will, however, always be occasions when it is necessary for the emergency services to use sirens in the interests of road safety and the protection of the public.

Emergency Services: Counselling

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce mandatory weekly counselling sessions for (1) frontline police officers in England and Wales, and (2) ambulance staff in England.

baroness williams of trafford: Front line police officers in England and WalesEach Chief Constable has a duty to manage and support their workforce effectively, ensuring the welfare of all officers and staff. It is therefore for Chief Constables to determine the appropriate wellbeing and occupational health provision within their police forces, including access to counselling.The Government takes the issue of police welfare very seriously and has invested in programmes which offer help directly to officers and staff. In July 2017 the Home Office awarded £7.5 million from the Police Transformation Fund to the College of Policing over three years to pilot and, if these pilots were successful, roll out a dedicated national service to help provide enhanced welfare support to serving police officers and staff.Following two years of development and piloting, the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) was launched in April 2019. The NPWS has developed evidence-based guidance, advice, tools and resources which can be accessed by forces, as well as individual officers and staff.Ambulance staff in EnglandPolicy relating to ambulance staff is the responsibility of the Department for Health and Social Care.

Police: Technology

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to invest in technology provided to police officers.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office is working closely with policing on technology investment plans.The current police settlement includes both a significant portfolio of Home Office led technology programmes as well as the Police Transformation Fund which supports a further group of national and local police led programmes. These are delivering transformational opportunities for officers including mobile communications, biometrics and programmes to improve contact with the public. As part of preparation for a spending review we are designing plans which build on these programmes as well as seeking innovative solutions to more complex problems.

Crime: Taxis

lord browne of belmont: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many crimes have been recorded as committed by drivers of private hire vehicles in each year since 2013.

baroness williams of trafford: The Home Office collects and publishes data for notifiable crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales. From this data, specific offences where a private hire vehicle was involved are not distinguishable, and so Home Office does not hold this information.

Police: Recruitment

lord wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 8 July (HL16591), how many people who have joined police forces through (1) the Direct Entry Inspector scheme, and (2) the Direct Entry Superintendent scheme, in each year since 2014 are still serving as police officers.

lord wasserman: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byBaroness Williams of Trafford on 8 July (HL16591), what is the present rank of each of those who have joined police forces through (1) the Direct Entry Inspector scheme, and (2) the Direct Entry Superintendent scheme, in each year since 2014 and are still serving as police officers.

baroness williams of trafford: Direct Entry Inspector Scheme• 17 people started the direct entry to inspector scheme in 2016. Of these, 13 are serving police officers: 11 in the rank of Inspector and two in the rank of Constable (the latter having resigned from the scheme and re-joined as Constables)• 21 people started the direct entry to inspector scheme in 2017. Of these, 16 are serving police officers who are part way through the programme. All hold the rank of Probationary Inspector and are due to complete the programme in October 2019• 17 people started the direct entry to inspector scheme in 2018. All are serving police officers who are part way through the programme. All hold the rank of Probationary Inspector and are due to complete the programme in November 2020.Direct Entry Superintendent Scheme• Nine people started the direct entry to superintendent scheme in 2014. Of these, eight are still serving as police officers: seven at the rank of Superintendent and one at the rank of Chief Superintendent• Six people started the direct entry to superintendent scheme in 2015. Of these, four are still serving as police officers: two at the rank of Superintendent and two at the rank of Chief Superintendent• Eight people started the direct entry to superintendent scheme in 2016. Of these, seven are still serving as police officers: six at the rank of Superintendent and one at the rank of Assistant Chief Constable• Six people started the direct entry to superintendent scheme in 2017. All six are still serving as police officers at the rank of Superintendent• Four people started the direct entry to superintendent scheme in 2018. All are serving police officers who are part way through the programme and are now undertaking both their sergeant and inspector rotations in forces. They currently hold the rank of Probationary Superintendent and are due to graduate from the programme in March 2020.

Radicalism

baroness jones of moulsecoomb: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether government departments or agencies use the term “domestic extremism” in any capacity; and, if so, what assessment they have made of its (1) accuracy, and (2) validity, as a concept for policy and decision making.

baroness williams of trafford: We do not use the term “domestic extremism”. Government departments use the definition of extremism set out in the Counter-Extremism Strategy published in October 2015 (CM9148).The strategy defines extremism as: ‘the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also regard calls for the death of members of our armed forces as extremist.

Cabinet Office

Government Departments: Bain and Company

lord hain: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Young of Cookham on 15 July (HL16911), whether they will cease using Bain and Company for consultancy work.

lord hain: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Young of Cookham on 15 July (HL16909), whether they will now (1) cancel existing future contracts, and (2) commit to not taking out any future contracts, with Bain and Company in the light of its consultancy work for the South African Revenue Service.

lord young of cookham: I refer the noble Lord to my answer given to Question HL16911 on 15 July 2019.

Treasury

Parcels: VAT

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure more foreign companies sign up to the new parcel tax scheme inpreparation for a possible no-deal Brexit.

lord young of cookham: HMRC’s Import VAT on Parcels online service was launched in February 2019 to allow businesses to prepare for a potential no deal EU exit, and remains open for registrations. HMRC are working with key partners to communicate the potential changes to overseas businesses. While HMRC expect registrations would increase if a no deal exit were confirmed, registration numbers for the online service are not a reliable indicator of overall readiness because there are other ways to pay import VAT on parcels via third parties.

Doctors: Tax Allowances

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to revisit the 2016 rule changes to tax relief for medical practitioners, in order to resolve the current staffing crisis.

lord young of cookham: The Government keeps public sector pay and pensions policy under constant review in the context of the wider public finances. Pensions tax relief is one of the most expensive reliefs in the personal tax system. In 2017/18 income tax and employer National Insurance Contributions relief cost over £50 billion, with around two-thirds going to higher and additional rate taxpayers. The tapered annual allowance is therefore focused on the highest-earning savers, to ensure that the benefit they receive is not disproportionate to that of other pension savers. Less than one per cent of pension savers will have to reduce their saving or face an annual allowance charge as a result of the tapered annual allowance. The Government recognises that some senior clinicians face tax charges owing to the increase in the value of their pension accrual. The tax rules must apply identically to everyone in the same situation, regardless of their employer. However, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has announced plans to consult on proposals for a new flexibility for senior clinicians in the NHS pension scheme via the introduction of a 50:50 option. This option will give senior clinicians in England and Wales more choice in respect of their pension accrual, and therefore better control in relation to any pensions tax charges.

Public Finance

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Young of Cookham on 8 July (HL16704), whether they will carry out a cumulative impact assessment of tax and spending decisions by gendered household type, which avoids the need to make assumptions about income sharing within households.

lord young of cookham: The government carefully considers the impact of its decisions on those sharing protected characteristics - including gender - in line with both its legal obligations and with its strong commitment to promoting fairness.However, analysis of the impact of tax and spending decisions by gendered household type will present a partial picture of the impact of policy decisions on different genders as most people live in households with other people.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Commonwealth Games 2022: Finance

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the capital costs of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham; and how those costs will be split among (1) central government, (2) local and regional authorities, and (3) the Commonwealth and other sources.

lord ashton of hyde: The public funding for the 2022 Commonwealth Games was announced on 25 June 2019 and will be £778m. This funding will be split approximately 75%/25% between investment from central government (£594m) and Birmingham City Council and a number of its key partners in the region (£184m). Further funding will be raised from commercial revenue. This funding includes public contribution to the stadium and aquatics centre which are both currently subject to commercial negotiations.A number of other infrastructure projects with funding from other sources will deliver benefits for the Games. These include a £496m development of 1,400 new homes at Perry Barr, which will include government funding of £165m from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the remainder coming from BCC and its partners, which will serve as the athletes’ village.

Commonwealth Games 2022: Finance

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether staffing and other running costs of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham will be covered by (1) admission charges, (2) sponsorships, (3) advertising income, and (4) other means; and if not, who will be responsible for any deficit.

lord ashton of hyde: The budget for the 2022 Commonwealth Games that was announced on 25th June 2019 includes funding for staffing and running costs for the Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In addition to public funding, commercial revenue will be raised from ticketing, sponsorship, merchandise and broadcast rights sales. The funding arrangements are as described in the Written Ministerial Statement of 25th June.